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Scared of Lung Cancer or Bacteria from 15 Year Old Implants, Can the Implants Release Toxins?

asked 8 months ago by txtiana in Austin, TX
Latest answer by Peter E. Johnson, MD
Question viewed 88 times
Tags: 15 years post-op, bacteria

I have had saline implants for 15 yrs,and I notice under the right breast my bone or cartlidge that meets up with the sternum is very tender, I also have had chest wall, back and arm pain. I have had a diagnostic mammogram and u/s both clear. Just read a study that said implants can increase your chance of lung cancer by 3x I am a non smoker. Can the implant shell release toxins? My PCP thinks this is all stress related or a nerve due to a fold in the top of my implant I now want them out!

4 answers to Scared of Lung Cancer or Bacteria from 15 Year Old Implants, Can the Implants Release Toxins?

+1

Breast implants do not cause lung cancer

Your saline implants will not cause lung cancer or release any toxins into your system. The chest pain should be evaluated by your physician to help pin down the cause, and the breast exam is a good first step. If you just want your implants out, and have given it careful thought ,the saline implants are quite easily removed, often with a local only. It is OK to just remove them if you are unhappy. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+1

Lung Cancer and Breast Implants?

Thank you for the question. I am also interested in reading the study you refer to. Given your symptoms you may want to seek consultation in person with a well experienced or certified plastic surgeon. It would not be unheard of if you decide to have breast implants removed for “peace of mind” but you should make this decision as objectively as possible. I hope this helps.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Saline breast implant and breast pain

Thank you for your question. I know of no link between saline or silicone breast implants and lung cancer. Are you sure that you are not confusing this with a very rare condition called anaplastic large cell lymphoma? Please go to the FDA website to read the FDA statement. fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239995.htm The FDA recently has identified a possible association between breast implants and the development... more
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

+1

Lung cancer

If you found a study relating implants to lung cancer, please email it to me. (drhueneke@comcast.net) I have never heard any link of implants to lung cancer. The shells do not release anything to my knowledge. It is stable polymerized silicon. The implant could be a source of your pain and you should see your surgeon.
Michael Hueneke, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

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